The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) is formulating National Water Metro Guidelines, 2026 to support the planning, implementation, safety standards, and promotion of eco-friendly water-based public transportation systems across India. These guidelines cover aspects relating to zero/low-emission technical frameworks, standardization requirements, financing structures, environmental safety, and inter-ministerial coordination for urban water transport systems.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), an autonomous organization under MoPSW, has undertaken Feasibility Studies for the development of Urban Water Metro Systems at 18 identified locations across the country. Feasibility Studies for 15 locations have been completed, which will help assess technical viability, infrastructure requirements, operational framework, and implementation potential for water-based urban public transportation.
Under separate initiatives, the Ministry has already deployed four hybrid electric vessels at Varanasi, Ayodhya, Patna, and Kolkata, plus one hydrogen fuel cell vessel at Varanasi, demonstrating the practical implementation of green water transportation technology. This information was provided by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on July 31, 2026.